ANFIELD should offer a warm welcome to the Reds' old boys tonight - and nothing else!

ANFIELD should offer a warm welcome to the Reds' old boys tonight - and nothing else!

The return of Kevin Keegan, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, (left), David James and Nicolas Anelka, will certainly add spice to the clash with Manchester City, but I am looking to a Liverpool win for several reasons.

First of all, in Steven Gerrard we have one of the most inspirational players in Europe. Then there is midfield, where Gerrard and Didi Hamann should be far too good for their rivals - and then there is the City defence . . .

Keegan's side is spiralling towards the danger zone in the Premiership, having conceded 35 goals in 24 games.

They managed to keep the scoreline goalless against Birmingham at the weekend, a feat in itself, but their back line has a vulnerable look.

Neither Robbie nor Macca have set the world alight at City - I hope I'm not asking for trouble! - and Anelka remains something of an enigma, although very dangerous on his day.

But the Reds must shake off their inconsistency and become more cut-throat. Three points from the last four games is not the form of a Champions League chasing side.

Michael Owen has become isolated lately. When Emile Heskey was playing up front he took a lot of the pressure off his partner. But, as a lone striker, things have gone a little bit astray.

He certainly gets support from Gerrard, who had a tremendous match against Bolton but he, too, needs players around him to respond to his top performances.

The Reds are entering a crucial stage of the season and could still enjoy success - if they get their act together.

No repeat show for Reds>

THERE'S nothing complicated about Sunday's FA Cup tie.

The Reds have home advantage, are a better team and should win. Simple as that.

I am sure Gerard Houllier will whip his side up for the game. There will be no complacency, and the thought of a last eight place will be a great incentive.

Portsmouth, and ex-Red Patrik Berger, shocked us earlier in the season but there should be no repeat if the Reds have trophy ambitions.

Harry Redknapp's side played above themselves that day, the adrenalin was still flowing following their promotion but, to be honest, they just don't have many good players.

Th e Champions League action has tended to overshadow the FA Cup in recent years but, believe me, it is still among the silverware most clubs want.

Jekyll and Hyde Blues>

A GAME of two halves? Of course. Manchester United could have had seven in the first half, but it was a different Everton they faced after the break.

With Rooney playing more central, he took United apart at times, but instead of closing it out at 3-3, the Blues went for the win.

It was certainly a great game, but I wonder if United's rearguard will prove to be its Achilles heel in the league this season.